Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides announced that the City will work with Uber Technologies to get the company in compliance with City Code in order to continue its services in Annapolis.

“I am happy to know there is another means of transportation that will help increase our City’s mobility efforts, but I must also be diligent in insisting that they are regulated, just like our taxicabs, in an effort to keep our citizens and visitors safe,” Annapolis Mayor Pantelides said.

A letter, sent to Uber Technologies by Acting City Manager Brian Woodward, highlights Section 7 48 0208 defining a “Taxicab” as a motor vehicle for hire that is: a) designed to carry seven or fewer individuals including the driver; and b) used to accept or solicit passengers for transportation for hire between those points along highways in this city as the passengers request. Under the Annapolis City Code, therefore, the city manager is requesting that Uber Technologies cease their operations in Annapolis until they can obtain the proper registration to operate a taxicab service in Annapolis.

The City has requested that Uber Technologies submit an application with Annapolis Transit to be licensed as a taxicab and follow the City Code and City regulations. It is also the City’s understanding, that an application for a motor vehicle permit has not been submitted to continue to operate in Maryland, as ordered by the Maryland Public Service Commission and is subject to regulation by the Commission. Therefore, the City has requested that Uber stop operating until the required paperwork and applications are filed and approved in the state as well as in the city.

“I know our taxicab companies have worked closely with the city to stay in compliance and fulfill the regulations required by City Code, and we are just requesting that Uber does the same,” Transportation Committee Chair and Ward One Alderman Joe Budge said. “I believe Uber has exciting innovations to offer the taxi industry.”

The letter was sent to Uber Technologies on June 25 and the City is awaiting their response.

Source: Annapolis City

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